“It’s the best date I’ve ever been on,”

Reese assured Sophie, his niece. “And are you having fun?” Reese turned to his other “date” for the evening.

“I always have fun here,” Emily said. “The Goodtime Café is the best place in town for a date. All the high school kids come here.”

“And then they fall in love,” the child said. “And then they get married and have babies.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s how it happens,” Emily agreed, but averted her eyes from Sophie’s very attractive uncle who was sitting across from her.

Reese smiled and Emily’s heart skipped a beat. “I guess you could say the café has a reputation for bringing people together,” he said, silently challenging her to meet his gaze.

He was flirting with her. Suddenly the music stopped and the room grew quiet….

Lights, Action…Family!
Patricia Thayer

www.millsandboon.co.uk

PATRICIA THAYER

has been writing for sixteen years and has published over twenty books with Silhouette. Her books have been nominated for the National Readers’ Choice Award, Virginia Romance Writers of America’s Holt Medallion, Orange Rose Contest and a prestigious RITA® Award. In 1997, Nothing Short of a Miracle won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Special Edition.

Thanks to the understanding men in her life—her husband of thirty-plus years, Steve, and her three grown sons and two grandsons—Pat has been able to fulfill her dream of writing romance. Another dream is to own a cabin in Colorado, where she can spend her days writing and her evenings with her favorite hero, Steve. She loves to hear from readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 6251, Anaheim, CA 92816-0251, or check her Web site at www.patriciathayer.com for upcoming books.

To Daralynn.

You are a wonderful wife to my son, and mother to my grandsons, Harrison and Connor. Even when things get tough, you take them in stride with your unwavering strength and determination…and always with love.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Epilogue

Chapter One

The Arizona territory, June 6, 1904

Today, my beautiful bride, Rebecca, and I found the perfect home site, a lush valley surrounded by majestic mountains. This is where it will all begin….

Jacob’s Journal

From the top of his jet-black Stetson, to his oversize belt buckle, right down to his scuffed Tony Lama boots, he was all cowboy.

Emily Hunter should know because she’d been around them all her life, the real and the phony. And, oh yes, he was definitely of the real variety.

She leaned against the café counter and boldly eyed the man who filled the doorway. He had broad shoulders covered by a sand-colored Western shirt, washed-out jeans encased his narrow hips and long muscular legs. She raised her gaze to his chiseled face and deep-set eyes, and hoped he would come closer so she could see their color.

The stranger gave her a quick nod in greeting and suddenly her heartbeat sped up. Before she could reciprocate, he turned away as a little girl appeared at his side. She had a tousled mass of brunette ringlets that circled her round face. Her eyes mirrored her father’s including the long black lashes.

The man took his daughter’s hand as they made their way to the counter. He effortlessly lifted the tiny girl onto a seat. She seemed to be about four years old and was as cute as could be. Of course, just look at her father. And look she did as he pulled off his hat, revealing thick, nearly black hair and dark-as-midnight eyes. He straddled the stool and rested his large forearms on the counter.

Emily quickly halted the direction of her thoughts. The man was married with a child, for heaven’s sake. She went off to fill two water glasses, reminding herself she was here to work. After she graduated college she’d thought her days as a waitress were over. Then a good family friend, Sam Price, owner of the fifties-style diner, Good Time Café, needed someone to fill in when his regular waitress called in sick. She had a few days to kill until things were set up at the Double H, so why not?

With her best smile, Emily set the water in front of her customers. “Good morning,” she said as she handed the man a breakfast menu. “What can I get for you?” She met the stranger’s dark gaze and found breathing difficult.

Darn if he didn’t look even better close up.

“I’ll have coffee to start.”

She turned and took the pot off the warmer. After she placed a mug of the hot brew in front of the man, she looked at the child. She was wearing a faded pink cotton T-shirt that was wrinkled and too big. So her dad wasn’t a fashion expert. “And what will you have to drink, milk or juice?” she asked the little girl.

“Bring her milk,” the man said, then glanced at the child. “Sophie, what do you want to eat?”

The tiny girl looked up with dark eyes that seemed too large for her face, then silently shrugged her shoulders. Emily decided the shy youngster needed a little coaxing.

“Sophie. That’s a pretty name,” she began. “I’m Emily. It sure is nice to meet you. You must be what…about four years old?” The girl nodded. “You know when I was about your age my daddy used to bring me here. My favorite thing was Sam’s blueberry pancakes.” She leaned closer to the child and whispered. “You want to try some?”

When there wasn’t any answer, the stranger said, “My niece is a little shy with strangers.”

Reece McKellen didn’t expect Sophie to answer the waitress. She hadn’t said more than a few dozen words to him since she’d come to live with him nearly a month ago. Not that he blamed her. She’d been through far too much for a child. If it were possible he wanted to erase all the bad from her short life. Right now, it was going to be a full time job trying to reassure the child that he wouldn’t abandon her like everyone else in her short life.

“You can bring us both the blueberry pancakes and two glasses of milk.”

“Good choice,” the waitress said and tossed him another smile.

Reece watched the pretty brunette walk off and felt a stir of awareness. She had large blue eyes and a full wide mouth that would tempt any man. Her fitted uniform outlined a shapely body and her long trim legs got his blood pumping. He shifted on his stool. A month ago he wouldn’t hesitate to give someone like Emily his full attention, but his once solitary life had changed drastically in a matter of weeks.

Now, he had the responsibility of his niece. Somehow he had to figure out how to take care of a child and fulfill his commitment on this new job.

Already the social worker assigned to his niece’s case wasn’t happy that he had taken Sophie out of state and on location for the next few months. But what else could he do? He needed to make a living, and more importantly, he needed to make a permanent home for Sophie. And that was the reason he came to Haven, Arizona.

Reece took a sip of coffee, and looked down at Sophie. She was a miniature version of Carrie when she was that age. A slow ache settled in his chest. Although he might not be the best choice for a father, he wasn’t going to renege on a promise again.

Emily felt the man’s formidable presence all the way from the end of the counter. She tried to ignore it, but no such luck. She picked up their orders from the pass-through window and carried the food to the counter.

“Here we are, two blueberry pancake specials,” she said, surprised to find she was eager to see the little girl’s reaction. She set the first plate down in front of the man then turned to Sophie.

“Sam does a treat when special girls come in.” She set down the stack of pancakes topped with a whipped cream smiley face decorating the top.

“See, Sam drew you a picture.” She enjoyed the child’s surprised look. Emily glanced at the uncle. “I hope you don’t mind the whipped cream.”

He gave her a half smile. “Not at all. As you can see, Sophie here could stand a few extra calories.”

Emily had many questions about her new customers, but they were none of her business. The two were just passing through town. “Where are you headed?” she asked, assuring herself she was just making conversation.

The man poured maple syrup over his pancakes. “Right here.”

“You’re moving to Haven?”

“Temporarily.” He dug into his stack and took a bite. “I’m working outside of town for the next few months.”

Okay, now the man peaked her curiosity. Besides, living in a small town, it was hard to stay out of everyone’s business. Maybe he was going to work for one of the ranches in the area, though it would be unusual for anyone to be hiring extra hands during the summer. She wondered if his work would be nearby and if she would be running into him often. Well, it really didn’t matter where he would be working or how good-looking he was. She had other things on her plate right now.

Her career had to take first priority in her life.

“Well, good luck,” she said and walked away. Emily grabbed a rag and began polishing the other end of the empty counter.

The Good Time Café, with its good food and friendly atmosphere, was a popular hangout in town, and had been for years. But at ten o’clock on a weekday morning the place was deserted. The cowboy and the cute little girl were the only diners at the moment.

Actually after the busy shift, Emily was glad for he reprieve. In truth, she’d been distracted all morning. She couldn’t wait to get back to the ranch and see what was going on. Had her brother finished building the replica homestead? Had the film crew arrived? Every day for the past two weeks, something new and exciting had been going on. When Sam asked her to fill in at the café, she hesitated, but decided she needed to get away from the project. She also knew that her brothers, Nate and Shane, weren’t unhappy to see her go. They both wanted her out of their hair.

So she’d been a little excited about the project. It wasn’t every day that she got her screenplay, Hunter’s Haven, made into a movie. And it was being filmed right where the original story took place, at the Double H Ranch. Excitement surged through her as she made her way over to the jukebox. She reached into her pocket for some quarters. After inserting them into the machine, she selected some of her favorites from Sam’s oldies-but-goodies songs, and the silent room was soon filled with the voices of The Temptations singing “My Girl.”

Emily began to sway to the easy rhythm as she danced though the tables to the red vinyl booths that lined the windows. Outside, she noticed the dusty, crew cab truck with a trailer parked in the lot across Maple Street. She noticed the plates weren’t Arizona, but couldn’t make out the name of the state.

The music ended and was replaced by another song, a blues ballad by Percy Sledge, “When a Man Loves a Woman.” Emily moved to the music as she cleaned, then turned and caught the cowboy’s reflection in the mirror over the counter. He took a long sip of coffee as his attention settled on her.

Emily froze as her eyes locked with the stranger’s. The sultry singer’s voice seemed to create an intimacy between them, and neither seemed to want to the connection to end. But then Sam suddenly called her name.

Embarrassed, she jerked her gaze away and went to the kitchen window angry with herself for letting the cowboy get to her. The man was only going to be around temporarily. And she had to stay focused on her movie.

After answering Sam’s question, she returned to her tasks and found little Sophie watching her. Emily couldn’t help but be drawn to the child’s solemn expression. They exchanged looks as she continued her work, keeping time with the rhythm of the jukebox tunes. Finally the child gave a half smile, which disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

Emily walked behind the counter. “Well, how was your breakfast?”

“Great,” the cowboy told her as he pulled bills from his wallet. “We better get going.” Just then the girl tugged on her uncle’s sleeve causing him to lean down to her level.

The man glanced up at Emily. “Ah, where’s your rest room?”

“In back,” she said. “If you want, I’ll take her.”

The man looked doubtful. “Sophie, will you let Emily take you?”

The girl’s eyes widened, then she nodded.

“Okay, Sophie, come with me.” Emily held out her hand and together they walked down the hall. After the child finished, Emily made sure she washed her hands and face, and decided to do a little more grooming. She went to retrieve her purse from the cabinet in back.

“How about if I brush your hair?” When the child didn’t object, Emily put her in front of the mirror and gently drew the brush through the tangled ringlets. “You have such pretty curls.”

Once the child was freshened up, they returned hand in hand to the front of the cafe where the uncle was waiting. “Thank you,” he said as Sophie took his hand.

“No problem. We girls have to take care of each other,” Emily said, realizing she didn’t want them leave.

“I guess we should go now.” He reached for his hat. “Thanks for your help… Emily.”

“My pleasure,” she said, meaning it. “Maybe I’ll see you around town.” Whoa, where did that come from?

“I doubt it. I’m going to be pretty busy. You could help me with some directions, though.”

“Sure, where are you headed?”

“The Double H Ranch.”

Emily tried not to react. Was Nate hiring? “I doubt they’re hiring right now.”

“I’ll take my chances. Do you know the way?”

“Just head back out to the highway and go east about ten miles until you reach Hunter Ridge Road. Turn left and go another mile and you’ll run right into it.”

He nodded. With a tug on the child’s hand, they walked out the door. Sophie looked over her shoulder and waved shyly with her free hand.

Something tightened around Emily’s heart. Through the window her gaze followed them as the man helped his niece into the truck. Both the truck and trailer looked like they’d covered a lot of miles. Was that where they lived while traveling from job to job? Where was the child’s mother and father?

“Sam!” she called, pulling off her apron. “I need to get back to the ranch. Can you handle things on your own?”

The husky man in his late fifties stepped out from the kitchen. He scratched his head. “Emily, I really could use your help during the lunch shift.”

“Margaret can handle it,” she said.

“Sure but, Em, you know Shane and Nate can handle things….”

“I know that. I’m not going back to bug them, I’ve got to talk to Nate about giving a man a job.”

After a stop at the store for some groceries, snacks and drinks, and to gas up the truck, Reece headed out of town toward the Double H. This new job wasn’t going to be easy to pull off. Not with a child in tow. The stunts were pretty basic, just some trick riding. But Reece had a child depending on him now and his commitment to Sophie changed everything. He’d signed on for the stunt job before he even knew of his niece’s existence. The producer, Jason Michael, had just about begged Reece to work on this movie. If the producer hadn’t been so persistent, he’d never have agreed to take the job. Jason had assured Reece that they’d work out housing and childcare once he arrived on location.

Reece’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. He wished he had a permanent home for Sophie now. Hopefully after this last job, he could head to Texas and buy that small ranch he’d always wanted. And he could make a home for Sophie.

Suddenly years of guilt washed over him as distant memories came flooding back. His sister, Carrie, had been three years his junior. He wasn’t sure if they even had the same father. However, if they’d had the choice, neither one of them would have claimed Gina McKellen for their mother. No matter how bad it got, Carrie and Reece had had each other. When their mother took off, child services stepped in and they’d been separated. Reece had promised he’d find Carrie wherever she wound up and that they would be together again.

He’d been out of foster care a while before he finally located her. Bitter and street tough, Carrie had hooked up with a bad crowd, and hadn’t wanted his help…until her death. And then he’d been shocked when he’d learned that his sister wanted him to raise her only child.

So at thirty-two Reece had suddenly become a parent. He hadn’t thought twice about taking Sophie. She was his family. And he hadn’t realized how much that mattered to him until he’d gotten to social services in Dallas and saw this tiny, lost-looking kid. She looked up at him with those big brown eyes and said, “Unca Reece” and his fate was sealed. At that moment Reece vowed that he’d give her the home he was never able to give Carrie.

He might not be the best father material. God knew he hadn’t had much experience in that department, but Sophie’s chances were better with him than in foster care. Now, he just had to make a permanent home for his new charge. His one bedroom apartment in L.A. was only passable for the social worker. Owning his own ranch had been his plan for years, and the reason he’d gotten into stunt work.

He had an eye on a small place in West Texas where he could breed horses and maybe run a few head of cattle. Although he’d saved about everything he could, he still hadn’t accumulated the amount he needed. So this job for Jason Michael’s Production should about get him the rest of the money, and convince the caseworker, Mrs. Reynolds, that he was serious about making a home for Sophie. But for now, since he didn’t have permanent custody of his niece, he’d had to get permission to bring Sophie to the movie location. He also had to report in, and might even be visited by the local child services authorities.

Reece blew out a long breath. Job number one was to find suitable housing for Sophie and himself while they were in Haven. Then he had to find someone to take care of Sophie while he worked on the movie set. His thoughts turned to the waitress. She would be good with his niece, but he doubted she would give up a permanent job to baby-sit. And with the sparks that had flashed between them back at the café, she would be one complication too many. He already had enough to deal with with Sophie and the new job.

He just hoped Jason had those details all worked out.

Seeing the sign, Reece turned onto the road that led to the Double H Ranch. He gazed out the window at the view. The rust and brown hues of the mountain range stood out against a rich blue sky. It was breathtaking. Although he was a Texas boy, it wouldn’t be a hardship enjoying this beautiful country for the next few months.

Reece drove under the archway that announced the ranch’s proprietor Nate Hunter. Envy ate at him as rows of white fencing, surrounding a bright-red barn along with several white outbuildings appeared. To his left a horse trotted around a large corral, reminding him that his own mounts, Toby and Shadow, needed attention.

A yellow, two-story house trimmed in white came into view. There was a circular driveway lined with multicolored flowers that led to a huge wraparound porch adorned with a wooden swing and several wicker chairs. The whole scene was an invitation to just sit and relax.

“Look at the big house,” Sophie gasped from the back seat.

“It sure is big,” he answered, enjoying her rare stab at conversation.

“And pretty flowers,” she whispered.

Reece smiled as he headed the truck toward where a posted sign directed the film crew to the back side of the barn. There were a few cars there, but not any crew. Great. He had two horses that had been confined in a trailer longer than they should be. He parked under a large tree, shading the truck from the hot August sun and turned to Sophie.

“Hey, sweetie, I need to get Shadow and Toby out of the trailer. So you stay here. I’ll leave the air on so you should stay cool enough. Okay?”

She nodded. “’Kay,” she answered and grabbed the raggedy bear off the seat and hugged it. Since the day he’d met his niece, she’d been inseparable from her stuffed friend. It had been the only toy the child had with her. And although Reece had taken her to a toy store, she hadn’t found anything she wanted to replace the bear. By some miracle he’d managed to get her to leave it in the truck while they went into the café.

He climbed out, walked to the back of the trailer and lowered the gate. Usually on a movie location, he just bunked in the truck cab, but he couldn’t do that with Sophie. Movie companies often supplied housing on location, but such accommodations were reserved for the headlining actors. Stunt people never received such preferential treatment. He had no idea what kind of arrangements Jason had made for him. He just hoped it was close to the ranch, and a suitable sitter for Sophie.

He walked up the ramp to the horses he had trained to do the stunt work. “How are you guys doing?” he spoke in a soothing voice as he ran a hand over Toby’s rump. A high pitched whinny told Reece that both animals wanted out. Now. He unfastened Toby’s reins, then gently nudged the horse to back up. It took some time, but he got the horse down the ramp. Toby immediately began to dance around in the grass, letting Reece know he wanted to run.

“Sorry, fella, there isn’t time right now.” He led the horse to the corral fence and tied him there and went back to the trailer.

He was bringing a black mare, Shadow, down the ramp when he heard a female voice say, “I see you found your way.”

Reece swung around to find the brunette waitress standing beside the trailer. This time she was dressed in jeans, boots and a blue blouse that matched her eyes. Damn, if she didn’t look even better than she had in her uniform.

“Yeah, thanks for the directions.” He led Shadow to the corral railing and tied him securely. He glanced over his shoulder to discover the woman was following him. “Look, if I led you to think you and I could…get together…I’m sorry. Like I said I’m going to be real busy—”

Her back straightened. “You think I followed you because I want to start up something with you?”

“Look…it’s not that I’m not interested, it’s just that I’ve got my hands full right now.”

Emily was fuming. If he hadn’t been tending to his horses she would have hauled off and smacked him.

“Pretty sure of yourself, cowboy,” she said from between clenched teeth. To think she rushed out here to put in a good word for him with Nate. Of course she’d told herself it was strictly for the child. “I only came out here to help you.”

“Well, I thank you, but I can handle things from here.” He went back to the truck leaving Emily with her mouth open.

She went marching after him. “I doubt it. Not if you came here looking for work. Nate is—”

“Hey, Em,” the familiar voice of her brother called to her. “I knew you couldn’t stay away.”

Nate Hunter was dressed in his khaki sheriff’s uniform. His tenure as the town’s lawman was soon to be a thing of the past. His retirement was only a few months away. He would be hanging up his sheriff’s hat about the same time his son was to be born. Then he could be a full-time rancher, wood carver and most important to Nate, a husband and father.

“Someone has to keep an eye on you guys,” she told him, still miffed that everyone wanted her out of the way while they finished the movie set.

Her big brother’s attention turned to the new arrival. “Hi, I’m Nate Hunter.” He held out his hand.

The man shook it. “Reece McKellen.”

Nate smiled. “We’ve been expecting you.”

Emily was totally confused. “You’ve hired him?”

Nate gave her a strange look. “No, sis, Jason did. Remember? The movie’s producer?”

Emily could feel the heat rise to her cheeks. “I didn’t realize.” She sent him an accusing glance. “You could have said something.”

If it were any consolation Reece looked just as confused as she did.

“Em, meet Reece,” Nate continued. “He’s the wrangler and stuntman on the movie. Reece, this is Emily Hunter, the author of Hunter’s Haven.”

Reece sure didn’t see this one coming. He quickly recovered and tipped his hat, murmuring, “Ma’am.” Then he turned headed back to the truck. So the Good Time Café waitress was also the screenwriter and author Emily Hunter. Just Great. Not that he had any hangups working with a woman, but there was no denying that there were sparks between them and that could mean trouble. If he let it. He shook away the thought. No way. He had to concentrate on just two things, this stunt job and his new role as Sophie’s parent.

He opened the truck door and realized that even with the air going it was still warm inside. So was his niece.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart.” He unbuckled her seat belt and lifted her out of her seat in the truck and onto the grass. Then reached in the cooler he always kept in the cab and took out a bottle of water. After he made sure that Sophie drank enough, he took some himself.

He’d always liked movie work, and he was good at his job. The one positive thing about his time in foster care was he’d been sent to live on a ranch. He’d taken to horses immediately and as long as he’d gotten his chores done, he’d been allowed to ride. As he gotten older, he’d become somewhat of an expert rider, and one of the best around to do horse stunts.

According to the director of this movie, Trent Justice, this movie’s stunts would be a piece of cake. Just some fast riding scenes and saving the leading lady, Jennifer Tate, from a runaway horse.

Not for the first time Reece wondered if this particular job was more trouble than it was worth. Maybe it would be too much of a hassle to work while Sophie was still adjusting to her mother’s death. Would it be better if he cut his losses and headed to Texas? He could get a job as a ranch manager. Though it wouldn’t pay as well as stunt work, he could put a stable roof over Sophie’s head.

And there would be no Emily Hunter to distract him. She was the kind of woman who could cause him to lose his focus. She might even make him think about completing his family. Not that his track record had been good when it came to relationships. It seemed every person he’d come to care about left him one way or another. He tightened his grip on Sophie’s hand. He wasn’t going to lose her.

Reece turned to see the movie’s screenwriter heading his way. His gut tightened. No denying she was one good-looking lady, and he definitely needed to stay cool. She was Hollywood bound. A career woman. And after this movie, he was leaving Hollywood behind to make a home for Sophie. He released a long breath.

Life sure would be simpler if she was still only the pretty waitress at the Good Time Café….

Chapter Two

Thanks to our neighbors, the barn is finally built. And if the weather holds, I promised Becky I would start the cabin. Although, she deserves to live in a stately mansion, she said all she wants is a home right here, with me.

Jacob’s Journal

“Why didn’t you say you were associated with the movie?” Emily asked as she stood in front of the truck.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Reece countered, helping Sophie drink some water. “Also why are you moonlighting as a waitress?”

“I was just helping out. Sam Price, the owner, is a family friend.”

Before he could say anything else, Nate appeared behind her. “Tell the truth, sis,” her brother began and looked at Reece. “Emily decided the set builders would finish faster if she made herself scarce.”

“That’s right. You and Shane didn’t run me off, it was my decision to help Sam.”

“And it was a good choice,” Nate teased, then glanced down at the child. “We weren’t expecting any of the crew for a few days, but Jason mentioned this morning that you might show up early to check out the terrain. Who’s your friend?”

“My niece, Sophie,” Reece said. “She recently came to live with me…permanently.”

Nate knelt down to be eye level with her. “Hi, Sophie. I’m Emily’s brother, Nate.”

Emily watched as the child’s eyes lowered shyly. The little girl’s arm latched tighter on to her uncle’s leg.

Emily’s heart went out to the forlorn looking girl. It was obvious she’d been through some kind of tragedy…but to lose both parents. She knew all too well what it felt like to lose someone you loved. Even after a dozen years, she still missed her father.

Emily shook away the memories and put on a smile. “Sophie, remember me?”

The child raised her eyes and nodded. Just that slight response tickled Emily. “How about you and I go up to the house and have some lemonade and cookies while your uncle tends to his horses?”

Emily looked at Reece for permission. “There’s no need for you to feel you have to watch her.” Reece said.

Emily took Sophie’s hand. “Since I’m not needed at the movie set until tomorrow, Sophie will be doing me a favor. And since you need to take care of those beautiful animals, your niece and I can entertain each other.” She glanced at the child. “What do you say, Sophie? You want to go with me?”

Sophie turned her big brown eyes on her uncle and saw him nod. “It’s okay. I’ll come and get you just as soon as I care for Toby and Shadow.”

Holding on to her raggedy bear with one hand, and with the other in Emily’s, the two started off toward the house.

Reece watched them walk away. He should be happy that his niece was responding to someone. Except that it could be a problem. Sophie could get too attached, and their time in Haven was only going to be temporary. Reece remembered too well how much it hurt when he’d gotten too attached to a person when he was growing up. He couldn’t stand that happening to Sophie.

“She’ll be okay,” Nate said.

Reece came out of his reverie. “What did you say?”

“I can assure you that my sister is good with kids. It’s men she’s been known to be hard on.” A friendly grin appeared. “I guess my brother Shane and I had something to do with that. We used to tease her, but she gave back as good as she got.”

Reece didn’t want to hear about Emily Hunter’s attributes. He had to stay focused on the reason he was here. The money he’d make would go a long way in helping him to achieve his goal of buying his own ranch.

Shadow whinnied and Reece returned to the present and his responsibilities. “Would you mind if I let the horses loose in your corral? It’s been a long trip.”

“Sure, let me help,” Nate said as they walked to the animals. “I hear you’re from California. Do you own a ranch there?”

He wished. “No, just an apartment in L.A. I board my horses out in Riverside.” He’d worked out a deal with the ranch owner, Jerry Holt, to train horses in trade for boarding his black mare and bay gelding in between jobs.

Reece took Shadow by the reins and led him into the corral, while Nate brought Toby. Reece glanced around the freshly painted barn. “You’ve got a nice place here.”

“Thanks.” Nate closed the gate and removed the lead rope from the horse’s bridle. “The Double H had been in the family for generations, but we’d lost it when our father died. I bought it back about ten months ago.” A sudden sadness masked Nate’s face. “It was shamefully run-down. My brother Shane, owns a construction company, and he’s responsible for all this restoration work.”

Reece released Shadow and the animal ran off. “I take it he’s the one building the movie set?”

Nate nodded. “The producer is a stickler for detail, so we’re replicating the original homestead.”

Reece had worked for Jason before so he knew the man’s desire for realism. He was anxious to see the location, but he also needed to get Sophie settled for the night.

“Do you know what the accommodations will be?”

Nate nodded. “The actors will have trailers. Jason and I have an agreement for the crew to stay in the new bunkhouse. There are five female crew members that will share the foreman’s house.”

“You’re being pretty generous with your place.”

Nate watched the horses gallop around in the sun. “I haven’t exactly got the ranch up and running yet so I’m not using most of the facilities right now. At the moment I just have a small herd and a few saddle horses. My hope is to have things up and running by the spring. The truth is I’m not even sure how big an operation I want to handle, and if it will be cattle, or mostly horses.”

Reece wouldn’t have any trouble deciding at all. “If I had the money and a place like this, I’d do both, but I’d definitely breed horses.”

Nate smiled. “My great-great-grandfather was a horse breeder. He had a line of champion stock that was well known around this area,” he said. There was obvious pride in his voice.

“Must be nice to trace your family back so far,” Reece said. Hell, he didn’t even know his father.

“Damn straight. That’s why it’s only right the Hunter family story be told where it all began. For a while there, we’d lost everything, but we still had each other. That’s the most important thing. I take it you’re Sophie’s only family.”

Reece nodded. “Her mother died recently, and her father was never in the picture. I’m her guardian now.” He didn’t want to go into any more details. “And I need to talk to Jason. Is he around?”

Nate shook his head. “He flew to L.A. earlier this morning, but he’ll be back Tuesday.”

“Did he happen to mention about arrangements for a place for me?”

Nate’s eyebrow drew together. “No, he didn’t say anything to me.”

“Damn, I was afraid of this. I can’t work on the movie if I don’t have a place for Sophie and me to stay, and someone to watch her while I work. Jason promised to help me out.”

Nate raised a hand. “Let’s not panic. I’m sure Jason has something in the works, but in the meantime, why don’t you move into the bunkhouse. It’s just sitting empty.”

That wouldn’t solve Reece’s long-term problem, but he was grateful he and Sophie would have someplace to sleep that night. “You sure it’s okay?”

Nate smiled. “It’s my bunkhouse. So relax. Now, let’s get out of this heat and go up to the house.”

Reece hesitated, but ended up following Nate. He wasn’t going to stay long. They’d spend the night, but there was a good chance that this job wasn’t going to pan out. He glanced toward the mountain range. That was a shame. This sure was beautiful country.

In the ranch kitchen, Emily sat on the hardwood floor with Sophie. The child played silently, putting a dress on one of Emily’s old dolls that they’d found in the attic. Emily tried to interact, but the little girl seemed more comfortable on her own.

“Too bad you’re having a boy,” Emily said, glancing up at her pregnant sister-in-law. “All these dolls are going to waste.”

The petite blonde ran her hand over her protruding stomach. She was due in a couple of months. “We might just have a girl one day.”

Emily studied her sister-in-law’s smile. Nate and Tori were so happy, but that hadn’t happened easily. Although Nate had fallen in love with the San Francisco heiress almost immediately, Tori had men issues, a dominating father and a bad relationship with a man who cared only about her money. Nate had changed all that. And even though she’d been raised in the city, Tori took to ranch life as if she were born into it.

“So, you’re already thinking about another baby?”

Tori glanced at Sophie. “Who wouldn’t want a child like this little one? She’s beautiful.”

The girl looked up. Her eyes showed her excitement as she held her doll up to Emily.

“Oh, what a good job you did dressing Sunny,” she praised her. When the child didn’t move the doll, she realized she was giving it back. “Sophie, you can keep her,” she said.

There was a glimmer of joy on Sophie’s face and Emily decided she’d do almost anything to see that look again. Just then the back door opened and Nate walked in along with Reece. Tori went to her husband and kissed him. Amazingly Emily found she wanted to go and greet the brooding man standing stiffly in the doorway. She told herself it was to see if she could get a reaction from him. Her gaze went to his mouth, wondering how it would feel to kiss him. She raised her eyes to his and heat rushed to her face.

It was Sophie who distracted them. She got up and ran to her uncle. She held up the doll and whispered his name. “Unca Reece. See? Her name is Sunny.”

He looked confused. “She’s pretty.”

Nate brought his wife closer. “Tori, this is Reece McKellen, the stuntman on the movie. Reece, my wife, Tori. And she’s carrying our son, Jake.”

Reece removed his cowboy hat and nodded. “Nice to meet you, ma’am. And congratulations on the baby.”

“Thank you. And please, call me Tori.”

“I hope Sophie hasn’t been too much trouble.” He tossed a quick glance at Emily.

“Oh, no,” Tori said. “She’s been a joy. She’s so well behaved.”

Smiling, Nate placed a glass of iced tea on the counter for Reece. “And Tori should know about kids, she’s taught school.”

Reece liked the Hunters. They’ve graciously welcomed him and Sophie into their home, but it didn’t change the fact that he always felt like an outsider. He hadn’t fit in many places, especially ones like this. He glanced around the beautiful kitchen as he took a long drink of tea. Man, it was something. He admired the honey maple cabinets and dark granite counters. The hardwood floors gleamed with high-gloss polish.

There was a knock on the door. It opened and an older woman peeked inside the room. “Hi, I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by.”

“Mom, you don’t need an excuse to come by,” Nate said as he went to the woman and hugged her.

“She’s here to check up on me,” Emily began. “Sam called you, didn’t he?”

The attractive older woman smiled innocently. “He may have mentioned that you didn’t finish your shift.” Mrs. Hunter glanced at Sophie. “Well, who do we have here?”

“Sorry, Mom,” Emily began. “This is Sophie and her uncle, Reece McKellen. He is working on the movie. Reece, this is our mother, Betty Hunter.”

Mrs. Hunter had short gray hair and a slender build. “Oh, my, you’re one of the movie stars, aren’t you?” she said. Her blue eyes, so much like her daughter’s, widened.

Everyone laughed. “Sorry to disappoint you, ma’am, but I’m just part of the crew,” he said.

“Reece is the stuntman on the movie,” Nate offered.

“Oh, so you’re doing Camden Peters’s stunts.”

“Yes, ma’am. A little trick riding.”

“What happens if you get hurt?”

Reece couldn’t help but smile. “I don’t plan on that happening. I learned how to fall during my rodeo days. Believe me, those broncos have so many creative ways to toss you off, I’m pretty sure I’ve learned them all.”

“Oh, I hope so.” She glanced down at Sophie. “Is this your little girl?”

“My niece. She lives with me now.”

Betty Hunter smiled. “Just look at all those beautiful curls. You remind me of Emily. She had hair like this. And she was such a precocious child.”

Emily groaned. “Mother, I’m sure Mr. McKellen doesn’t want to hear about my childhood.”

Reece found he enjoyed Emily’s blush. Damn, if it wasn’t as appealing as the rest of her. He placed a hand on Sophie’s shoulder. “I think it’s time we get settled. Thank you, Nate, for your hospitality.” He looked at Emily. “And thank you for watching Sophie. Would you happen to have Jason’s cell phone number?”

“Sure.” She went to the purse on the counter and searched the for a business card. She handed it to him.

“Is there a problem?”

“Just a little mix-up with living arrangements.” Reece didn’t want to involve the Hunters in his problems. “Thanks again for watching Sophie.”

“It was my pleasure,” Emily said. “Bye, Sophie.”

When he turned to the door, Nate stopped him. “I’ll bring some bedding down to the bunkhouse later. Say, why don’t you and Sophie come up for supper tonight? There’s always plenty.”

Reece knew Nate meant to be neighborly, but he hated feeling obliged to people. “Thank you, but we’re both pretty tired after the long drive today.”

Sophie started to hand back the doll and Emily came down on her knee. “Oh, sweetie, remember, I gave Sunny to you, to keep. Maybe we can play again.” She touched the child’s cheek. “See you later.”

Reece saw the longing in his niece’s eyes. He knew she was lonely, how much she’d missed her mother. And someone like Emily and her family would be easy to turn to, but he had to remember the stop at the Double H was only temporary. He stole one last glance at Emily Hunter, knowing if he stayed the next few months were going to be full of temptation. For both of them.

At seven-thirty that evening Emily made her way toward the bunkhouse, all the time telling herself that she was only bringing them the bedding. She was not doing it because she wanted to see Reece McKellen again. Okay, so he was a drop-dead sexy man, who didn’t seem to like her, she reminded herself. Why? Was he just not attracted to her? Okay, she could accept that. She shook her head. Why was she even thinking about him? She didn’t need to get involved at this time in her life. Not with her career just taking off. She needed to stay focused on Hunter’s Haven.

She’d worked too hard to get through school and spent too many hours on her feet as a waitress to let a man come along and turn her head now. But it wasn’t just the man, it was Sophie. Emily was drawn to her, too. And that was even more dangerous. Just as soon as she dropped off the sheets and towels, she’d stay away from them both.

Emily stepped up on the wooden porch and glanced through the bare window. Sophie at the table playing with her new doll. Emily knocked, then opened the door.

“Hi, Sophie.”

“Emily.” The little girl stood up. All ready for bed, the child was wearing pink pajamas, her damp hair in ringlets.

Emily’s heart tightened. “I brought you some towels and sheets.” Just then she heard running water in the other room. Well, she wasn’t about to interrupt the man’s privacy to give him a towel.

She glanced around the ranch hand’s new quarters that Shane had built this past spring. The efficient kitchen had a stainless-steel stove, an oversize refrigerator and a long table that could seat twenty men. On either side of the room a hallway led to the two bedrooms. She knew that the large bathroom was designed in two sections with several walk-in shower stalls, separate from the sinks and toilets. She didn’t want to think about the naked man now using one of the stalls, or the water spraying over his muscular body.

She quickly shook away the image and turned her focus to the table holding a cooler and groceries. “Did you eat?”

Sophie nodded.

Emily saw the carton milk and loaf of bread. Why didn’t they just come to the house and have pot roast? No. That wasn’t her business.

“Hey, how about I make up your bed? Where are you sleeping?”

The child motioned for her to follow as she walked into the nearest bedroom where five single bunks lined both sides of the long walls. The first two had sleeping bags opened on top of the new mattresses.

“I think I can make you a little more comfortable. Emily pulled off one nylon bag and spread out the sheet.

“You want to help me?” Sophie came over, and with some instruction, she tucked in the corners. Of course it wasn’t as good as could be, but the child was obviously proud of her handiwork. With one bed made, Emily started on the other. Maybe if she hurried she’d be finished before Reece returned. Suddenly she glanced up and saw the man in the doorway, leaning lazily against the frame. Too late.

No fantasy she’d ever had came close to the real thing. The real thing was six foot two inches of pure male standing there in a pair of worn jeans and nothing else. His broad shoulders and well developed chest were bare and damp.

“Unca Reece,” Sophie called out. “I made my bed.”

“You sure did,” he acknowledged never taking those sable eyes off Emily.

“Emily helped me,” she said.

“I can see that,” he told her. “You just seem to show up everywhere.”

Emily felt heat flood her face. “Tori wanted to make sure you had enough bedding. I brought towels, but I can see you didn’t need them.”

“We made do, but thanks.” He went to the other side of the bed and began to tuck in the sheet, careful to make sure that Sophie was able to help. “We’re leaving in the morning and heading back to L.A.”

“But the movie… Have you heard anything from Jason?”

She shook her head. “I’ve called, but he’s been in meetings all day.”

“I’m getting the same message. If I didn’t have Sophie it wouldn’t matter. But I need to provide her with a stable environment. Her caseworker wasn’t crazy about me bringing her on location as it was.”

Emily realized she didn’t want to see them go, but knew the child had to come first. “What will Jason do about a stuntman?”

“It’s not a problem to replace me. The stunts are pretty simple. A good horseman should be able to handle them. Even Camden Peters.”

Emily shook her head. “It’s stipulated in his contract that he doesn’t do stunts.”

Reece’s face split into a grin and her breath caught. “I guess he’s afraid to take any chances.”

“I don’t care. We’re lucky to get him for the part.”

Reece had worked with Camden Peters once before. The man was demanding and used his star power to get special treatment. “I’d say he’s the lucky one to have a chance at such a great part.”

Emily didn’t know why, but this man’s praise meant a lot to her. “Thank you.” Her gaze lowered to see a series of faint scars across his chest. “Is that from one of your stunts?”

He didn’t look down. “No, they’re from my rodeo days,” he said. “I guess I’m lucky I don’t have to take off my shirt for my part in the film.” There was a twinkle in his eye.

She swallowed. “I imagine my ancestors got a few scars settling this land. You’d look perfect, scars and all.”

His mouth twitched in amusement. “I’ll take that as a compliment. But stuntmen get paid for their ability to make the actors look good. No one sees my face.”

Oh, that was a shame. He wasn’t pretty-boy handsome, but he had rugged good looks. Deep-set eyes that pierced right through you, a sharp jawline and a chin that displayed a deep cleft. But it was his mouth and a full bottom lip that, for the second time, made her wonder how it would feel against hers. Heat surged through her and she shook away the direction of her thoughts. “Well, I guess I should get back,” she said, realizing she was getting too up close and personal with the man.

“Thanks for the sheets and towels.”

“You’re welcome.” When she headed toward the door, he followed her. She reached for the doorknob and he did the same. Warmth shot up her arm and she jerked away just as Sophie came running to her, but stopped short and stood by her uncle’s side.

Emily knelt down to the child’s level. “You get some sleep. Sweet dreams.”

Emily moved to the door, but made the mistake to look over her shoulder to see the two. Just leave and don’t get any more involved. But it was too late.

She found herself saying, “I think I know a place you could live during the filming. My mother has a small apartment over the garage.”

Reece McKellen’s expression didn’t change except for a slight rise of his eyebrow. Emily decided that was probably the most emotion he showed people. Well, that was just fine, especially since she’d see him nearly every day for the next few months. They would be working together.

“Are you interested?”

His dark eyes pierced hers. “I’m very interested.”

Chapter Three

Thanks to our neighbors’ help, the barn is finally built. And if the weather holds, I promised Becky I will start the cabin. Although, she deserves to live in a stately mansion, she said all she wants is a home, right here with me.

Jacob’s Journal

The next morning at the ranch, Emily was up at 6:00 a.m. After a quick shower, she headed downstairs to find coffee and her brother. Since their father’s death, she—as well as the rest of the family—had always turned to Nate with her problems. And he’d always been there for her. Not just financially to help her through college, but whenever she needed emotional support. He might have been a little heavy-handed when it came to prospective boyfriends, but when it came to important choices, like her deciding on a film career, he’d stood by her. And now she could use his reassurance. She was filling her mug when he walked in.

“Mornin’, Em,” he grumbled. Although he was showered and dressed for ranch work, his eyes were still heavy from sleep.

“Hi, Nate.” She handed him her mug and poured another for herself.

“Thanks,” he said and took a sip. “Tell me again why I want to be a rancher. These hours are worse than those of a sheriff.”

She knew he wasn’t serious. Her brother had spent the past dozen years working and saving to get the Double H back in the Hunter family. “You love the smell of horse manure in the morning?”

He tugged on her ponytail. “You’ve got a smart mouth.” He took another sip and leaned against the counter. “It’s going to get pretty busy around here in a few days. Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

No! But she wanted it more than anything. “Are you kidding? You know I’ve been dreaming about all of this forever.”

“Sometimes reality isn’t as perfect as the dream.”

Her pulse raced in panic. Nate and Shane had been working closely with Jason, from building the set to working out housing for the crew and corralling the animals. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

He shook his head. “No. I’m only saying the next few months are going to be hectic.”

Emily knew she’d be working with a demanding director, Trent Justice, and didn’t doubt she’d be doing rewrites for several scenes. “I can handle it. It’s you and Tori I’m worried about. Are you sure this isn’t too much for you guys? Especially Tori? You’ve shared your home, and now with a baby due in six weeks…”

“Tori is loving it. You know that she loves having people around. But if it gets too crazy, I’ll keep her in the house,” he said and laughed. “Yeah, as if she’d let me boss her around.”

Everyone could see how much Nate and Tori were in love. Her other brother, Shane, had also married recently, and his wife, Mariah was the love of his life. They had sneaked off to Las Vegas and didn’t tell a soul. They were excepting a child in the spring. It was hard not to envy what her brothers and their wives had.

“With all the commotion going on I hope it won’t be a distraction from your work for the gallery?” she said. Nate, who was also a talented wood carver, had a show coming up.

He smiled. “Not if you don’t mind waiting for me to replace the figurine I borrowed from you.”

How sweet. When Nate’s talent had first been recognized he needed several carvings for his initial show. That show’s money had been what helped buy back the ranch. Friends and family donated their carvings to help the cause. She’d never regretted giving him the horse figurine he’d carved for her. “How about you give it to me for a wedding gift?”

Nate cocked an eyebrow. “Are you trying to tell me something?”

She laughed. “I’m telling you that you’ll have plenty of time to replace my carving.”

He studied her for a moment. “Be careful, someone just might walk through that door and you’ll fall like a ton of bricks.”

“Is that how it happened for you?” Tori asked from the doorway. She was wearing her gown and robe.

“Sure was.” Smiling, Nate went to his wife. “I thought you were going to sleep in?”

“I was until junior decided to play a game of kick ball. I’ll nap later.” She looked at her sister-in-law.

“How did you sleep in your old room?”

This was the house Emily had grown up in until their father died. When they couldn’t pay the mortgage, the bank repossessed the property. “Great, but I can’t impose on you guys anymore. You’ve done so much already.”

Tori glanced from her husband to Emily. “I grew up in a big lonely house so I love having people around. You’ll never be intruding.” She wrapped her arm around her husband’s waist. “We want the whole family to feel like this is their home, too.”

Emily swallowed the lump in her throat and glanced at her brother. “I’m sure glad you were wise enough to marry her.”

“So am I.”

Emily watched as the two exchanged a look that showed the depth of their love. Lately, when both her brothers were with their wives, she’d felt like the fifth wheel, an intruder. But someday she hoped she’d find their happily-ever-after kind of love with a special guy.

There had been someone in college, but he wasn’t willing to allow her time for her career. She’d spent too many years in school not to get a chance to prove herself. She preferred to think that the real reason she hadn’t settled down was that she hadn’t found the man of her dreams yet.

Suddenly the picture of a big, strong cowboy who’d been so tender with his niece popped into her mind. Not many men would single-handedly take on the responsibility of a child. But she doubted Reece McKellen was like most men.

There was a soft knock on the door. She watched as Nate went to answer it and found the man who’d plagued her thoughts most of the night standing there along with his niece. And he looked pretty dreamy in faded jeans and a black T-shirt.

“I know it’s early, but I saw the light on.”

“Not a problem. Come in,” Nate said.

The child followed him inside. She was dressed in a pair of jean shorts and a blue cotton top with ruffles around the neck and sleeves. Her hair was pulled back in a slightly crooked ponytail. The little girl beamed when she saw her. Emily held out her hand and Sophie came to her.

“Good morning, Sophie. Are you hungry?”

The child nodded.

Nate handed Reece a cup of coffee. “Why don’t you stay for breakfast,” he said. “There’s plenty.”

“Thanks, but we were going to eat in town.”

Reece watched as Emily escorted his niece to the table. He stiffened. He knew the invitation was a friendly gesture, but he needed to stay away from the warm family scene. To keep this strictly business. He also needed to stay clear of the attractive leggy brunette with the smile that got him stirred up. She had him aching, and not only with physical need. But the truth was he had all the commitment he could handle right now with Sophie.

Reece forced himself to make eye contact with Emily. “I stopped by to see if you talked to your mother?”

“Oh, right,” she said. “Nate, do you think Mom would consider renting Reece the garage apartment?”

Her brother blinked. “I don’t see why not, it’s been empty since Shane and Mariah moved out.” He looked back at Reece. “It’s only a one-bedroom, but the sofa pulls out into a bed.”

“Sounds good,” Reece said. He hated to be indebted to the Hunters any more than he already was, but he didn’t have a choice. “When will you be able to talk to your mother?”

“I’ll call her now.” Nate reached for the telephone on the wall. “She’s usually finished with her run my now.” He dialed his mother’s number, then spoke into the phone.

“Hi, Mom.” He paused. “No, Tori’s okay. I just had a question about the garage apartment. How would you feel about renting it to Reece McKellen and his niece?” He paused again and listened. “Okay, fine. I’ll talk to you later, Mom. Bye.” He hung up and turned to Reece.

“She only hesitated because it hasn’t been painted in a while. She says it’s not a problem, and you can come by any time to see it.”

“That’s great.” Reece blew out a breath. “I still need to find someone to look after Sophie while I work, but this is certainly a start.”

“You know, Mom might be able to help you with that, too,” Nate said. “She runs the summer program at the elementary school. She might know of someone willing to baby-sit.”

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.